Plaque & Tartar Removal to Keep Your Teeth Clean and Your Smile Healthy
Brushing and flossing are essential for good oral health, but even with a diligent routine, plaque and tartar can still build up over time. If left untreated, these substances can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues. Dr. Ari Cohen, a trusted general dentist in Harris, NY, can help you understand the difference between plaque and tartar—and knowing how to prevent and remove them—can help keep your teeth strong and your smile bright.
If you’re in Harris, Monticello, Maplewood or the surrounding areas, Dr. Cohen offers professional dental cleanings and guidance on plaque and tartar removal. Whether you need preventive care or advanced dental treatment, contact Dr. Cohen by calling (845) 794-4545 for quality dental care.
What Is Plaque?
Plaque is a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. It contains bacteria that feed on sugars from the food and drinks you consume. As these bacteria break down sugars, they produce acids that weaken tooth enamel, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Plaque can develop on your teeth, along the gumline, and even on dental restorations like crowns or fillings. If not removed regularly through brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, which is much more difficult to eliminate.
What Is Tartar?
Tartar, also known as calculus, is hardened plaque that has mineralized over time. It forms a rough, yellow or brown deposit on the teeth, often near the gumline or between teeth. Unlike plaque, tartar cannot be removed with brushing and flossing alone—it requires professional cleaning from a dentist or dental hygienist.
Signs You Have Tartar Buildup
- Yellow or brown deposits on teeth
- Bad breath (halitosis) that won’t go away
- Gum inflammation (redness or swelling)
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Tooth sensitivity or discomfort
Tartar provides a rough surface where bacteria can thrive, leading to more plaque accumulation and an increased risk of gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis).
How Plaque and Tartar Impact Your Oral Health
Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to several dental problems, including:
Cavities
The acids produced by plaque bacteria erode enamel, causing tooth decay. Small cavities can grow larger over time, eventually requiring fillings, crowns, or even root canals.
Gum Disease
Plaque and tartar at the gumline can cause inflammation, leading to gingivitis (early-stage gum disease). Symptoms include red, swollen gums that may bleed when brushing. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a severe condition that can lead to tooth loss.
Bad Breath (Halitosis)
The bacteria in plaque and tartar release foul-smelling compounds, causing persistent bad breath. Regular brushing and flossing help, but if tartar has built up, a professional cleaning is necessary.
Tooth Sensitivity
When plaque and tartar accumulate, they can cause gum recession, exposing sensitive areas of the teeth. This can make eating hot, cold, or sweet foods uncomfortable.
How to Prevent Plaque and Tartar Buildup
Prevention is the best strategy for maintaining a healthy smile. Here are some simple yet effective ways to reduce plaque and prevent tartar buildup:
Brush Your Teeth Properly
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Brush for two minutes, twice a day using gentle, circular motions.
- Don’t forget to brush along the gumline and back teeth, where plaque tends to accumulate.
Floss Daily
Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach. Make it a habit to floss at least once a day to prevent tartar formation.
Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash
Mouthwash can help kill bacteria and slow plaque buildup. Look for one that contains fluoride or antibacterial agents like chlorhexidine to keep your mouth fresh and clean.
Eat a Healthy Diet
- Limit sugary foods and drinks, which feed plaque-causing bacteria.
- Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots—they help clean teeth naturally.
- Drink plenty of water to rinse away food debris and maintain saliva production, which helps fight plaque.
Avoid Smoking & Tobacco Products
Smoking contributes to faster tartar buildup, gum disease, and bad breath. Quitting tobacco can significantly improve your oral health.
Professional Plaque & Tartar Removal in Harris, NY
Even with excellent oral hygiene, some plaque and tartar buildup is inevitable. That’s why regular dental cleanings with a professional are crucial.
At Cohen Dentistry, Dr. Cohen provides comprehensive cleanings and tartar removal to keep your teeth and gums healthy. They use specialized tools to safely remove hardened tartar and polish your teeth for a fresh, smooth finish.
What to Expect During a Professional Cleaning
- Scaling – Your hygienist uses a scaler to gently remove tartar from the tooth surface and gumline.
- Polishing – A special toothpaste is used to polish teeth and remove surface stains.
- Fluoride Treatment – This strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities.
If you live in Harris, NY, or nearby areas like Monticello, Liberty, or Fallsburg, schedule a professional cleaning at Cohen Dentistry by calling (845) 794-4545 to prevent serious dental issues and keep your smile in top shape.
Can You Remove Tartar at Home?
Unfortunately, tartar cannot be removed with at-home methods once it has formed. However, you can prevent it from developing by maintaining a strong oral hygiene routine. If you notice signs of tartar, schedule a professional cleaning as soon as possible.
Some at-home remedies claim to soften tartar, such as:
- Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide rinses
- Oil pulling with coconut oil
- Using tartar-control toothpaste
While these methods may help with plaque, they are not a substitute for professional cleanings.
When to Visit Cohen Dentistry
You should visit a dentist if you experience:
- Persistent bad breath despite brushing and flossing
- Bleeding, swollen, or painful gums
- Tartar buildup that is visible near your gumline
- Tooth sensitivity or pain
Dr. Cohen recommends biannual dental checkups to prevent serious oral health problems. If you’re in Harris or the surrounding areas, booking a professional cleaning can help keep your smile healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, plaque removal is typically painless. However, some people may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity during the procedure. This is because the dental professional is scraping away plaque and tartar from your teeth, which can cause some sensitivity or discomfort. Should you experience severe pain during the dental cleaning procedure, let your dentist know immediately.
While brushing and flossing can help prevent plaque and tartar buildup, it’s not possible to remove tartar at home. Tartar is a hardened form of plaque that can only be removed by a dental professional using specialized tools. However, you can prevent tartar buildup by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and following a healthy diet.
Yes, there’s evidence to suggest that poor oral health, including plaque and tartar buildup, can contribute to other health problems such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The bacteria in dental plaque can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation, which can lead to these and other health problems. That’s why it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene and have regular dental checkups.
You may experience some sensitivity or soreness in your gums for a day or two following the procedure. It’s also common to experience some bleeding when brushing or flossing. However, if the bleeding persists or you experience any severe pain or swelling, you should contact your dentist.
Take Charge of Your Oral Health at Cohen Dentistry
Plaque and tartar buildup are common issues, but with proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits, you can keep your teeth strong and healthy. Brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings play a crucial role in preventing cavities and gum disease.
If you’re in Harris, NY, or nearby towns like Liberty, Monticello, or South Fallsburg, Dr. Ari Cohen at Cohen Dentistry offers excellent care to help you maintain a bright, healthy smile. Schedule your dental cleaning in Harris, NY today by calling (845) 794-4545 to take the first step toward better oral health!